Arts News

61 West Allegheny visual arts and media arts students have been honored through the 2017 Scholastics Art & Writing Awards competition with a total of 68 awards. Established in 1923, The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the nation’s largest, longest-running, most prestigious visual and literary arts program recognizing accomplishments of students in grades 7 – 12. Senior Moira Gibson received a Gold Key American Vision Nomination. 17 students received the prestigious Gold Key Award. 14 received Silver Keys and 29 received Honorable Mentions.

Senior soprano Kaylie Wallace represented West Allegheny High School at the PA Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 1 Chorus Festival held at Montour High School from January 11-13. Kaylie qualified by audition to participate in the upcoming PMEA Region 1 Chorus Festival at Gateway High School in February.

SPEECH & DEBATE LEADING CHAPTER

The National Speech & Debate Association recently honored the WA Speech and Debate team with the 2015-16 Leading Chapter Award for the Pittsburgh District. Head Coach Mike Shaffer will be presented with a commemorative plaque at the upcoming district tournament. This recognition is the highest team award with only one school per District honored each year. Based primarily on student participation, WA stood out for consideration with 708 members and degrees earned during the last six years. WA is one of only 110 schools to receive this award for this past season among over 3,000 NSDA member schools nationwide and must wait at least five years before being eligible again.

DRAMA GROUP FINISHES 4th AT PHSSL STATE DRAMA CHAMPIONSHIPS

The high school’s Drama Group finished fourth at the PA High School Speech League (PHSSL) State Drama Championships held at Bloomsburg University on January 6-7 with their performance of the drama, “Almost Maine”. Senior Gabriella Hatch was named to the 2016 All-State Cast selected from the casts of all participating schools. Mike Shaffer is the director of the play, assisted by Stephanie White, Michael Short with theatre art and Sandy Pittinaro with wardrobe.